The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced it has received a $360,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Innovative Coordinated Access & Mobility (ICAM) Program to undertake a two-year statewide mobility management pilot. The pilot program will expand mobility by helping connect potential riders to a wide range of services and bring organizations together where there are gaps in the transportation network.
The $360,000 pilot program will fund a statewide mobility management pilot, including hiring a statewide mobility manager and related contractual and administrative support. The project will cover the entire state, including Justice40 communities.
In 2023, MassDOT conducted an extensive study to explore whether a statewide system of Regional Mobility Managers would benefit older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income people by improving the awareness, availability, accessibility, and efficiency of transportation services for these populations. MassDOT published the study on January 31, 2024. While the study looked at how mobility management systems function in other states, the primary focus was a deep dive into exploring the perspectives of on-the-ground practitioners helping people with mobility challenges and low income-navigate the existing transportation systems. The study found support for a statewide mobility management program–and lays out a series of action steps for MassDOT to pilot this program in a way that complements the work being done by the practitioners on the ground.
Building on the recommendations of the MassDOT Regional Mobility Manager Study, this ICAM grant award will require MassDOT to work closely with a steering committee. This committee already includes partner state agencies that manage statewide programs and initiatives related to aging and disability and assisted MassDOT with the recently completed regional mobility study.
In addition to the ICAM grant announced today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has secured nearly $6 billion in federal funding since taking office and currently has a total of more than $3 billion in current requests pending for federal funds for infrastructure, climate, and economic development projects.
Last year, the administration won a $108 million award for West-East Rail, a $372 million award for the Sagamore Bridge Replacement Project and a $116 million grant for the MBTA’s purchase of battery-electric buses. Additional grants received recently include $67 million for accessibility improvements at 14 MBTA Green Line station stops and approximately $3.3 million for six municipal airports in Massachusetts.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has other transportation grant applications pending, including an application for $1.06 billion in grant funding through the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Large Bridge Project Program to replace the Sagamore Bridge. MassDOT is the lead applicant, applying jointly with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as the bridge’s owner.
Statements of support
Congressman Richard Neal:
“With ICAM set to receive $25 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through 2026, Massachusetts continues to receive a significant amount of funding from this historic legislation. Given that much of the infrastructure package was drafted in the Ways and Means Committee under my chairmanship, I am thrilled that Massachusetts has been the benefactor of countless financial awards that will greatly improve the Commonwealth’s infrastructure, especially as it relates to rail. Improved and expanded passenger rail is critical to unlocking growth and opportunities for workers across the economic spectrum. I applaud Governor Healey and her administration for continuing to pursue funding opportunities that will greatly approve the lives of those throughout the Commonwealth.”
Sujatha Krishnan, Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission’s Deputy Executive Director:
“The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) strongly supports MassDOT’s two-year pilot program to enhance mobility options for Environmental Justice communities in our region. It addresses critical needs identified in our Long-Range Transportation Plan, ,2050 Connections, emphasizing a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to fill transportation network gaps and connect disadvantaged communities with accessible transportation choices.”
Toni Wolf, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission:
“Transportation is a key component of independent living and employment for individuals with disabilities. We are thrilled to partner with MassDOT and the Statewide Mobility Manager as we work toward increasing accessible transportation for people with disabilities so they can continue working and living independently.”
James Fuccione, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative:
“Communities working to become more age and dementia friendly promote connection and inclusion, which is only possible when people can access reliable transportation. Older adults and people living with disabilities need to access social and civic opportunities, employment and volunteering and a range of amenities. A statewide mobility management system can help residents make these critical connections and will advance our goal of an age and dementia friendly Commonwealth.”